# Columbo

> American crime drama television film series

**Wikidata**: [Q371207](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q371207)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbo)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/columbo

## Summary
*Columbo* is an American crime drama television film series that follows a police detective who solves crimes through subtle, logical deduction. Created by Richard Levinson and William Link, the series is notable for its "inverted detective story" format, where the crime and perpetrator are shown at the beginning, followed by the detective's investigation. Starring Peter Falk in the title role, the show originally aired on NBC and later ABC from 1968 to 2003.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: American crime drama television film series
- **Genre**: Inverted detective story; crime television series
- **Format**: Television film series (episodic)
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Original Networks**: NBC; American Broadcasting Company (ABC)
- **Production Company**: Universal Television
- **Creators**: Richard Levinson; William Link
- **Star**: Peter Falk (as Lieutenant Columbo)
- **First Aired**: February 20, 1968
- **End Dates**: May 13, 1978 (NBC run); January 30, 2003 (final episode)
- **Number of Episodes**: 69
- **Seasons**: 9
- **Duration**: 73 to 98 minutes per episode
- **IMDb ID**: tt1466074
- **Alias**: Lieutenant Columbo

## FAQs
**What is the narrative format of *Columbo*?**
The series utilizes an "inverted detective story" structure, meaning the commission of the crime and the identity of the perpetrator are shown at the beginning. The story subsequently focuses on the detective's attempt to solve the mystery and catch the culprit.

**Who created and starred in the series?**
*Columbo* was created by the American screenwriters and producers Richard Levinson and William Link. The title role of Lieutenant Columbo was portrayed by American actor Peter Falk.

**On which television networks did *Columbo* air?**
The series was broadcast on two major American networks: it initially aired on NBC and later moved to the American Broadcasting Company (ABC).

**What is the production history of the show?**
Produced by Universal Television, the television production arm of NBCUniversal Television and Streaming, the series spanned several decades. It began on February 20, 1968, had an initial run ending on May 13, 1978, and concluded with a final episode on January 30, 2003.

**How many episodes and seasons comprise the series?**
The series consists of 69 episodes across 9 seasons. Episodes typically run between 73 and 98 minutes in length.

## Why It Matters
*Columbo* represents a significant innovation in crime fiction by popularizing the "inverted detective story" format on television, shifting the narrative tension from "who did it" to "how they will be caught." This structural approach, combined with Peter Falk's iconic portrayal of the titular character—characterized by his disheveled appearance and deceptive intelligence—established a new archetype for the detective genre. The series' longevity, airing across three decades on two different networks (NBC and ABC), underscores its enduring popularity and cultural impact. Falk's performance earned critical acclaim, including a Golden Globe Award and multiple Emmy nominations, cementing the show's legacy as a benchmark for character-driven drama and procedural storytelling.

## Notable For
- **Inverted Detective Story Format**: Pioneered the "howcatchem" style where the audience sees the crime first.
- **Peter Falk's Performance**: Features the actor's iconic, methodical portrayal of Lieutenant Columbo, including the signature line "Just one more thing."
- **Longevity**: Aired from 1968 to 2003, spanning 35 years.
- **Network Switch**: Successfully transitioned from NBC to the American Broadcasting Company (ABC).
- **Production**: Produced by Universal Television, a major arm of NBCUniversal.
- **Awards Recognition**: Peter Falk received a Golden Globe Award and multiple Emmy nominations for his role.
- **Episodic Structure**: Comprises 69 television films across 9 seasons.
- **Cultural Icon**: Lieutenant Columbo is recognized as one of television's most enduring detective characters.

## Body

### Series Overview and Format
*Columbo* is classified as an American crime drama television film series. Unlike traditional crime procedurals that follow a linear mystery structure, *Columbo* employs an "inverted detective story" format. In this narrative style, the commission of the crime is described at the beginning, usually including the identity of the perpetrator. The story then describes the detective's attempt to solve the mystery, focusing on the cat-and-mouse dynamic between the detective and the culprit. The series falls under the genre of crime television series.

### Production and Development
The series was created by Richard Levinson and William Link, both American screenwriters and producers. Levinson (1934–1987) and Link (1933–2020) developed the concept which was produced by Universal Television. Universal Television serves as the television production arm of the NBCUniversal Television and Streaming and has been in operation since the mid-20th century (inception dates noted as 1943, 1956, 2014, and 2019). The production company is headquartered in the United States.

### Cast and Characters
The central character of the series is Lieutenant Columbo, portrayed by Peter Falk. Falk (1927–2011) was an American actor best known for this role. His portrayal of the detective—known for his methodical questioning and unassuming demeanor—became iconic. Falk's performance earned him a Golden Globe Award for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Drama in 1972, as well as multiple Emmy nominations. The character is often cited for his signature line, "Just one more thing," and his ability to solve cases through subtle, logical deduction rather than flashy action.

### Broadcast History and Networks
*Columbo* aired in the United States, the country of origin for the series. It was broadcast on two major American television networks: NBC and the American Broadcasting Company (ABC).
*   **NBC**: The National Broadcasting Company, an American television and radio network founded in 1926, was the original network for the series.
*   **ABC**: The American Broadcasting Company, an American broadcast television network owned by The Walt Disney Company and founded in 1943, became the subsequent network for the show.

The series timeline began on February 20, 1968. The initial run on NBC concluded on May 13, 1978. The series eventually ended with a final episode airing on January 30, 2003.

### Seasons and Episodes
The series is structured as a collection of television films, organized into seasons. There are 9 distinct seasons within the series:
*   Columbo, season 1
*   Columbo, season 2
*   Columbo, season 3
*   Columbo, season 4
*   Columbo, season 5
*   Columbo, season 6
*   Columbo, season 7
*   Columbo, season 8
*   Columbo, season 9

In total, the series comprises 69 episodes. The duration of the episodes varies, typically running between 73 and 98 minutes. The series is cataloged under various identifiers, including the IMDb ID tt1466074.

## References

1. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
2. IMDb
3. Encyclopedia of Television Shows, 1925 through 2010
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. BabelNet
6. Kinopoisk
7. The Movie Database
8. [Personality Database - 16 MBTI Characters](https://www.personality-database.com/profile?pid=2&cid=2&sub_cat_id=4371)
9. FilmVandaag.nl